A former deputy assistant to President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at UNC next week.

Sebastian Gorka, who the New York Times described as “an outspoken adviser to President Trump and lighting rod for controversy,” was forced out of his White House role earlier this year. Prior to his stint in the Trump administration, Gorka was an editor at the right-wing website Breitbart. Gorka joined former Trump chief strategist Steve Bannon in making the move from Breitbart to the White House. Bannon has since also been forced from his role in the presidential administration and has returned as the executive chairman of Breitbart.

The UNC College Republican chapter along with UNC Christians United for Israel, UNC Turning Point USA and the Carolina Review are sponsoring Gorka’s speech, according to a Facebook page for the event.

The post describes Gorka’s speech as “a riveting conversation on US-Israel relations and the state of Middle Eastern affairs under the Trump administration.”

Controversial speakers associated in any way with the Trump campaign have caused incidents that have sometimes turned violent on college campuses across the country. UNC denied a request from leader of the so-called Alt-Right Richard Spencer to speak on campus earlier this fall citing safety concerns.

Gorka’s speech is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Monday, November 13, with doors opening at 5:15 p.m. in an auditorium at the Genome Science Building. The event page says that “students and faculty only will be admitted and must present a valid university ID. No backpacks or signs allowed.”

This speech comes as the UNC System Board of Governors is considering a free speech policy that resulted from a directive from the North Carolina General Assembly. The policy contains punishments “up to and including dismissal or expulsion, for anyone under the jurisdiction of the constituent institution who substantially disrupts the functioning of the constituent institution or substantially interferes with the protected free expression rights of others.”

The policy encourages parties involved in hosting an event that may draw protests to work together to “minimize the possibility of disruptions and support the right to dissent.”

A board committee passed the policy proposal last week and the full board will consider approving it next month.

 

Photo via Alex Wong / Getty

Related Stories
‹
'More Self-Governance': Panel Discusses Free Speech, Political Influence at UNC
A panel of UNC guests talked about the state of democracy on campus and the chilling effect that has followed the increased pressure from state lawmakers.
A Place to Connect and Heal: UNC Holds Annual Community Walk for Suicide Prevention
On Saturday, community members and college students alike met on UNC’s campus for a mile-long walk to destigmatize suicide prevention.
'Together is The Only Path Forward': Orange County's Habitat for Humanity Hosts Affordable Housing Summit
Amid a shortage of affordable housing – both locally and nationally – the Orange County chapter of Habitat for Humanity recently held a summit to discuss how leaders can collectively aim to better address the issue.
Chapel Hill Alerts Residents To Upcoming S. Columbia Road Closure
The Town of Chapel Hill announced that a section of S. Columbia St. will be closed as UNC conducts maintenance on its steam tunnel system.
Multiple UNC Football Players Facing Reckless Driving Charges
Several UNC football players are facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and other violations. An investigation by WRAL, originally published Monday afternoon, reported that “nearly 20 percent” of UNC’s 101-man roster has been cited for speeding since October of 2024. The investigation named three specific players: linebacker Khmori House, safety Gavin Gibson and cornerback Thaddeus […]
'I Will Never Retreat': UNC Professor Highlights Free Speech, Resolution in Beliefs in Return After Leave
By about 2 p.m. on Wednesday, UNC professor Dwayne Dixon would be back in front of his ASIA 150 class for instruction like normal. But a few hours before that, he was still addressing the abnormal circumstances surrounding him from being put onto administrative leave the prior week. Dixon, members of the American Association of […]
UNC Investigates Professor Over Ties to Anti-Racist Group; Rally Held in His Support
As a UNC professor is on administrative leave for his advocacy of alleged politically-motivated violence, supporters led a rally on Wednesday.
Parking, Parties and Team History: What to Know Ahead of Mexico vs. Türkiye Soccer in Chapel Hill
The men's national soccer teams of Mexico and Türkiye will meet in Chapel Hill Tuesday for a friendly. Here's what to know before you go.
Police: UNC Student Victim of Carjacking in W. Franklin Street Parking Deck
Chapel Hill Police are investigating the carjacking of a UNC student that took place early Saturday morning. No injuries are reported.
Honoring Chapel Hill's Black Builders: UNC Landmarks and the Local Faces Who Built Them
Maps are storytellers, but they can exclude certain narratives. Fowota Mortoo said that’s the case for Chapel Hill’s Black builders.
›